U.S. patent application number 11/380829 was filed with the patent office on 2007-11-01 for collapsible straining device.
This patent application is currently assigned to Chef'n Corporation. Invention is credited to Joshua R. Stewart.
Application Number | 20070251874 11/380829 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38529501 |
Filed Date | 2007-11-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070251874 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Stewart; Joshua R. |
November 1, 2007 |
COLLAPSIBLE STRAINING DEVICE
Abstract
A device for straining liquids and particles from solid food
items may comprise a collapsible container comprising a plurality
of apertures and at least one transition operable to expand the
collapsible container, forming a concavity to retain the food items
during use, and to allow the user to collapse the collapsible
container into a thin form for storage and/or transport after use.
The collapsible container may comprise a rim and a base. The device
may further comprise support members pivotably coupled to the rim
of the container, operable to pivot in a first direction to an open
position during use and to pivot in a second direction to a closed
position for storage and/or transport after use.
Inventors: |
Stewart; Joshua R.;
(Seattle, WA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEED INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY LAW GROUP PLLC
701 FIFTH AVE
SUITE 5400
SEATTLE
WA
98104
US
|
Assignee: |
Chef'n Corporation
Seattle
WA
98101
|
Family ID: |
38529501 |
Appl. No.: |
11/380829 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
210/232 ;
210/249; 210/473; 210/497.01; 210/498 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 43/24 20130101;
A47J 43/22 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
210/232 ;
210/249; 210/473; 210/497.01; 210/498 |
International
Class: |
B01D 29/37 20060101
B01D029/37; B01D 29/35 20060101 B01D029/35 |
Claims
1. A device for straining liquids and particles from solid food
items, the device comprising: a collapsible container operable to
collapse into a thin form, the collapsible container having a
plurality of apertures therein, a rim coupled to an outer edge of
the collapsible container, and a base coupled to the collapsible
container to remain a fixed distance from the rim during use and to
set proximate thereto after use when the collapsible container is
collapsed into the thin form.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the collapsible container is
fabricated from a flexible unitary body of material.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least one wall
interposed between the rim and the base, the at least one wall
being adapted to form at least one transition therein operable to
expand the collapsible container, to form a concavity to retain the
food items during use, and to collapse the collapsible container
into the thin form after use.
4. The device of claim 1 wherein a width of the base is smaller
than a width of the rim and the base concentrically nests in the
rim after use when the collapsible container is collapsed into the
thin form.
5. The device of claim 1, further comprising at least first and
second support members pivotably coupled to the rim, operable to
pivot with respect to the rim in a first direction to an open
position and rest on a surface to maintain a position of the device
during use, and to pivot in a second direction with respect to the
rim, different from the first, to a closed position to rest
proximate the rim after use.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein the rim comprises a channel formed
therein and the first and second support members at least partially
nest in the channel when in the closed position.
7. The device of claim 5 wherein the first support member is
positioned substantially diametrically opposing the second support
member.
8. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a first coupling
member pivotably coupling the first support member to the rim and
having a first recess and a second recess, the first recess
operable to releaseably engage the first support member and retain
the first support member in the closed position, the second recess
operable to releaseably engage the first support member and retain
the first support member in the open position; and a second
coupling member pivotably coupling the second support member to the
rim and having a first recess and a second recess, the first recess
operable to releaseably engage the second support member and retain
the second support member in the closed position, the second recess
operable to releaseably engage the second support member and retain
the second support member in the open position.
9. The device of claim 8 wherein: the first and second coupling
members slidably engage the rim, respectively; a first force
applied to the first and second coupling members respectively
translates the coupling members from a first to a second position,
shifting the first and second support members from the first recess
to the second recess of the first and second coupling members,
respectively, an interaction of a surface of the recesses with the
first and second support members pivoting the first and second
support members from the closed position to the open position; and
a second force applied to the first and second coupling members
respectively translates the coupling members from the second to the
first position, shifting the first and second support members from
the second recess to the first recess of the first and second
coupling members, respectively, an interaction of the surface of
the recesses with the first and second support members pivoting the
first and second support members from the open position to the
closed position.
10. The device of claim 9, further comprising at least one vice
member rigidly fixed to the rim, pivotably engaging the first and
second support members to substantially prevent lateral translation
of the first and second support members when at least one of the
first and second forces is applied to at least one of the coupling
members.
11. The device of claim 2 wherein the rim comprises at least one
handle portion formed therein.
12. A collapsible straining device comprising: means for expanding
the collapsible straining device, forming a concavity therein
during use, and allowing collapsing of the straining device into a
thin form after use; a rim coupled to a first edge of the expanding
means; a base coupled to a second edge of the expanding means to
remain a fixed distance from the rim during use, to form the
concavity during use, and to be set proximate thereto after use;
straining means for allowing passage of particles having a size
smaller than a predetermined size through the concavity and
blocking from passage therethrough particles having a size larger
than the predetermined size; and supporting means for supporting
the collapsible straining device on at least one of a structure and
a surface.
13. The collapsible straining device of claim 12 wherein the means
for expanding and collapsing the device comprises at least one of a
flexible material, a hinge, a crease, a perforation and an
opening.
14. The collapsible straining device of claim 12 wherein the
straining means comprises at least one of a plurality of apertures,
at least one slot, and a wire mesh.
15. The collapsible straining device of claim 12 wherein the
supporting means comprises: at least one support member having at
least one limb operable to maintain a position of the collapsible
straining device; and mounting means for pivotably mounting the
support member to the rim.
16. The collapsible straining device of claim 15 wherein the
mounting means comprises: a coupling member slidably engaging the
rim and having a first recess operable to receive a portion of the
support member and retain the support member in a closed position
proximate the rim when the coupling member is slid to a first
position, and a second recess operable to receive the portion of
the support member and retain the support member in an open
position to rest against at least one of the surface and the
structure, when the coupling member is slid to a second position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention is generally related to kitchenware,
and more particularly, to a collapsible straining device.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] In the art of cooking, devices that separate liquids or
other particles from solids are often used for various purposes
including, but not limited to, washing food items such as
vegetables, draining water-cooked foods such as pasta, drying food
items such as lettuce, etc. Examples of such devices include
colanders and strainers. Colanders are typically formed from a
dish, platter, bowl, tray, or the like, having a plurality of holes
spaced and sized to best suit specific applications. Strainers are
similar to colanders, but incorporate wire mesh instead of a solid
material having holes. Typically solid items such as food items are
placed in a colander or strainer to drain or strain liquid or
solids that are smaller in size than the respective holes of the
colander or openings in the wire mesh. For example, when pasta is
cooked in hot water, the pasta and the water are dispensed in a
colander to allow the water drain and isolate the pasta for
consumption. Furthermore, colanders or strainers are used to rinse
or wash items such as vegetables. For example, lettuce can be
placed in a colander and rinsed with water and the water along with
any dirt or unwanted particles drain through the holes.
[0005] Despite their practicalities in use, colanders and strainers
tend to be bulky and space consuming when stored or when placed in
a dishwasher. Colanders are typically fabricated from metals and
rigid plastics, which cannot deform and be compactly stored.
Additionally, colanders typically include a flat base or supports
extending from the base to secure it on a surface; therefore, they
do not snuggly fit in other bowls or pots to save space when
stored.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a straining device that is
lightweight, can be supported on a surface or other structure, and
can be collapsed into a thin form for easy and compact storage
and/or transport.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a device
for straining liquids and particles from solid food items, the
device comprising a collapsible container operable to collapse into
a thin form, the collapsible container having a plurality of
apertures therein, a rim coupled to an outer edge of the
collapsible container, and a base coupled to the collapsible
container to remain a fixed distance from the rim during use and to
set proximate thereto after use when the collapsible container is
collapsed into the thin form.
[0008] In another aspect, the invention further comprises first and
second coupling members slidably engaging the rim, and pivotably
coupling first and second support members to the rim, respectively,
each coupling member having first and second recesses, wherein a
first force applied to the first and second coupling members
respectively translates the coupling members from a first to a
second position, shifting the first and second support members from
the first recess to the second recess of the first and second
coupling members, respectively, an interaction of a surface of the
recesses with the first and second support members pivoting the
first and second support members from a closed position to an open
position, and a second force applied to the first and second
coupling members respectively translates the coupling members from
the second to the first position, shifting the first and second
support members from the second recess to the first recess of the
first and second coupling members, respectively, an interaction of
the surface of the recesses with the first and second support
members pivoting the first and second support members from the open
position to the closed position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)
[0009] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a straining device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of one aspect of a straining device
according to another embodiment of the present invention in a
collapsed form.
[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the straining device of
FIG. 2 with a collapsible container expanded, viewed along section
3-3 of FIG. 5.
[0012] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the straining device of
FIG. 2 in an expanded form, viewed along section 4-4 of FIG. 5.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the straining device of FIG.
2 with supporting members collapsed.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of another aspect of the
straining device of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a straining device according
to yet another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a straining device 100 according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The straining device 100
comprises a collapsible container 102 having a plurality of
apertures 104 formed therein. The straining device 100 further
comprises a rim 106 coupled to an outer edge of the collapsible
container 102 and a base 108 coupled to the collapsible container
102 to remain a fixed distance from the rim 106 during use. The
collapsible container 102 may comprise at least one wall 110. The
apertures 104 can be formed in the base 108 and/or wall 110 of the
collapsible container 102. In some embodiments the base 108 and
wall 110 can be seamlessly integrated and fabricated from a
deformable and/or flexible material such that the collapsible
container 102 can transition between an expanded form, illustrated
in FIG. 1, and a collapsed form as described in more detail below.
For example, the collapsible container 102 can be fabricated, in
whole or in part, from silicone, plastics, nylon, deformable wire
mesh, films or foils, fabrics, synthetic or natural rubbers, or any
combination thereof, or any other material sufficiently deformable
and/or flexible to expand during use, for example in response to
gravity and/or a weight of contents, and collapse into a thin form
after use for storage and/or transport.
[0017] Additionally, or alternatively, the collapsible container
102 can be fabricated from other stiffer materials and include
transitions 112 formed in the wall 110 and/or the base 108 adapted
to promote collapsing the collapsible container 102 into the thin
form. For example, the collapsible container 102 can be fabricated
from material comprising metals such as aluminum, titanium or
steel, soft or hard woods, silicone, soft or hard plastics,
composites such as carbon fiber, or any combination thereof or any
other material that can maintain a shape of the collapsible
container 102. The transitions 112 may comprise creases, hinges,
deformable and/or flexible material such as silicone, plastics,
synthetic or natural rubbers, or features such as apertures,
perforations or slots, or any combination thereof, or any other
material or feature allowing adjacent stiffer portions to pivot
with respect to each other to promote collapsing the collapsible
container 102 into the thin form.
[0018] The straining device 100 may further comprise at least one
handle portion 114, or two handle portions 114 as illustrated in
FIG. 1, coupled to or formed in the rim 106. A user can use the
handle portions 114 to move, shake, turn over, or otherwise
manipulate the collapsible straining device 100. The user can also
rest the handle portions 114 on edges of a structure, such as a
sink, to suspend the straining device 100 therein.
[0019] Although in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, the
straining device 100 comprises a circular shape and the wall 110 a
circular cross-section, in other embodiments, a straining device
and/or its wall(s) may comprise other shapes and/or cross-sections
such as rectangular, elliptical, triangular, or any other
shape.
[0020] FIG. 2 illustrates a straining device 200 according to
another embodiment of the present invention, in which the straining
device 200 further comprises at least first and second support
members 218 pivotably coupled or mounted to the rim 206. The user
can pivot each support member 218 in a first direction, stopping at
an open position, illustrated in FIG. 4. In the open position the
support members 218 can maintain a position of the straining device
200, for example by supporting the straining device 200 on a
surface.
[0021] The support members 218 can also pivot in a second
direction, different from the first, for example substantially
opposite the first, to collapse the support members 218 as
illustrated in FIG. 3. When collapsed, the support members 218 are
in a closed position. As illustrated in FIG. 2, when both the
collapsible container 202 and the support members 218 are
collapsed, the straining device 200 assumes a thin form, in which
it can be easily stowed away for future use or for transport, for
example, in cabinets, luggage or picnic baskets. Therefore, the
collapsed straining device 200 can be stored in kitchen cabinets,
for example, upright against a wall of the cabinet, or in a narrow
space designed for cookie sheets or the like, consuming only a
space equivalent to a thickness of the straining device 200 in its
collapsed thin form.
[0022] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the collapsible straining device
200 may further comprise coupling members 222 operable to affect
easy deployment and retraction of the support members 218. The
coupling members 222 can slidably engage a portion of the rim 206,
for example proximate the handle portions 214. Furthermore, the
coupling members 222 may comprise a first recess 224, a second
recess 226 and a slot 228 extending therebetween. The first and
second recesses 224, 226 can releaseably engage at least a first
portion 221 of each support member 218, retaining the support
members 218 in the closed and open positions, respectively. The
discussion that follows describes an example of an operation of one
of the coupling members 222 and its interaction with one of the
support members 218 for clarity of description; an operation of the
other of the coupling members 222 and its interaction with the
other of the support members 218 is substantially identical.
[0023] When the support member 218 is in the closed position, the
user may exert a first force on the coupling member 222 in a first
direction, for example in a direction away from a center of the
straining device 200, shifting the first portion 221 of the support
member 218 from the first recess 224 to the second recess 226. The
first force also slides the coupling member 222 from a first
position to a second position. As the first portion 221 travels
toward the second recess 226, an interaction of the first portion
221 with surfaces of the first recess 224 and/or the slot 228,
forces pivoting of the support member 218 with respect to the
coupling member 222. Upon arrival of the first portion 221 in the
second recess 226, the support member 218 stops in the open
position as illustrated in FIG. 4. Impingement of the first portion
221 against a wall of the second recess 226 maintains the support
member 218 in the open position.
[0024] After use, the user may exert a second force in a second
direction, different from the first, for example substantially
opposite the first, on the coupling member 222, sliding the
coupling member 222 from the second position to the first position,
and shifting the first portion 221 from the second recess 226 to
the first recess 224. As the first portion 221 travels toward the
first recess 224, an interaction of the first portion 221 with
surfaces of the second recess 226 and/or the slot 228, forces
pivoting of the support member 218 with respect to the coupling
member 222 to return the support member 218 to the closed position
illustrated in FIG. 3. Impingement of the first portion 221 against
a wall of the first recess 224 maintains the support member 218 in
the closed position until future use.
[0025] The support members 218 and the coupling members 222 can be
fabricated from silicone, plastics, synthetic or natural rubbers,
metals such as aluminum, titanium or steel, soft or hard woods,
composites such as carbon fiber, or any combination thereof, or any
other material capable of maintaining a shape and supporting a
weight of the straining device 200 and its contents.
[0026] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the straining device 200
with the support members 218 in the closed position. Each support
member 218 may comprise at least two limbs 230. From illustration
of the straining device 200 in its collapsed state, as depicted in
FIG. 2, it can be appreciated that the user can easily store the
collapsible straining device 200 after use. Furthermore, the user
can place the collapsed straining device 200 in a dishwasher,
allowing space for additional items to be placed therein.
[0027] In another aspect, illustrated in FIG. 6, the straining
device 200 may comprise at least one optional vice member 232, or
two vice members 232 as depicted, rigidly fixed to at least one of
a portion of the rim 206 and the handle portion 214. The vice
members 232 can pivotably engage another portion of the support
members 218, further preventing lateral translation of the support
members 218 when the user applies either of the first and second
forces to the coupling members 222. In some embodiments, the vice
members 232 may respectively be positioned proximate the coupling
members 222. Furthermore, the coupling members 222 may each
comprise a grip member 234 conforming to a grip of the user for
more comfortably manipulating the coupling members 222 to open and
close the support members 218 as described above.
[0028] The vice members 232 may be fabricated from resilient
material such as silicone, metals, plastics, natural or synthetic
rubbers, composites, or any combination thereof or any other
material capable of temporarily deforming to receive the other
portion of the support members 218 and tending to resume its
original shape to pivotably retain the other portion of the support
members 218 therein. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the vice
members 232 may comprise a closed loop shape encircling the other
portion of the support members 218. In such embodiments, the vice
members 232 may be fabricated from any material capable of
pivotably securing the support members 218, such as, but not
limited to, silicone, metals, plastics, natural or synthetic
rubbers, composites, soft or hard woods, wires, fabrics, foils or
films, or any combination thereof.
[0029] Furthermore, the rim 206 may comprise a channel 236,
illustrated in FIG. 6, operable to receive at least a portion of
the supporting members 218 when the supporting members 218 pivot to
the closed position, as illustrated in FIG. 2, FIG. 3 and FIG.
5.
[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 5, in some embodiments, the base 208
can comprise a width smaller than a width of the rim 206 such that
when the collapsible container 202 is in its collapsed form, the
base nests, for example concentrically, in the rim 206.
[0031] FIG. 7 illustrates a straining device 300 according to yet
another embodiment, in which one or more portions of the
collapsible container 302 comprises a wire mesh 304. Beyond this
difference, the straining device 300 can be similar to an
embodiment of the device discussed above.
[0032] Other embodiments may not incorporate one or more of the
features described, or may comprise additional features. For
example, the coupling members 222 may not have the first and second
recesses 224, 226 and/or the slot 228. Instead, the coupling member
222 may include any mechanism, hole, slot, and/or hinge that
promotes pivoting the support members 218 between the closed and
open positions. Furthermore, the apertures 104 may be precluded.
Instead, the collapsible container 102, 202 may comprise elongated
slots, extending substantially radially, for straining. Such slots
can also serve as the transitions in the collapsible container 102,
202 that promote collapsing the collapsible container 102, 202.
Moreover, the collapsible straining device 200 may comprise of only
one support member 218 in some embodiments, in which the device can
be supported against other structure, be balanced on one support
member 218 or comprise at least one auxiliary support that in
combination with the one support member 218 maintains a position of
the collapsible straining device. An individual of ordinary skill
in the art, having reviewed this disclosure, will appreciate these
and other variations that can be made to the straining device 100,
200, 300 without deviating from the spirit of the invention.
[0033] In addition, although the use of the straining device 100,
200, 300 has been described with respect to uses in the kitchen, it
can be appreciated that the straining device 100, 200, 300 can be
used for any application in which it is desired to separate items
having a size greater than the apertures 104 or openings in the
wire mesh 304 from items having a size smaller than the apertures
104 or openings in the wire mesh 304. Such uses may be had in
fields such as, but not limited to, gardening, precious metals
extraction, drying fabrics, or construction applications.
[0034] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in the Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
[0035] From the foregoing it will be appreciated that, although
specific embodiments of the invention have been described herein
for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made
without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Accordingly, the invention is not limited except as by the appended
claims and equivalents thereof.
* * * * *